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N.A. student Hicks advances on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Skilyr Hicks had to wait a few weeks, but her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” finally hit the airwaves.

Hicks, a former student at Paul Knox Middle School who will start her freshman year at North Augusta High School in the fall, sang her original song “Brand New Day.” She received praise from judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Howard Stern and Mel B.

Hicks will move on to Las Vegas, with the next episode airing today at 8 p.m.

The song, which is a tribute to her late father, has already received 125,000-plus hits on YouTube.

“We didn’t realize it was going to air when it did, so we were surprised, too,” she said. “I’m very thrilled. It was very emotional, and, even after going back and watching it, it makes me cry. We both just bawled our eyes out from rehashing that experience. It’s been amazing, and we’ve met some amazing people.”

Cronk said the outpouring of support from all around the country has been astonishing.

“We have read all of the messages together, and I’ll tell you now that we have to bring a box of tissues,” she said. “It’s both young and old, and all of the experiences they have dealt with. One young girl lost her dad – he hung himself – and Skilyr’s song brought her hope. The girl was living with regret from not going to her dad’s funeral and so many things. ... It’s been amazing to see how people have reached out and connected with Skilyr and her music.”

“America’s Got Talent” airs on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Scott Rodgers is the news editor at the North Augusta Star and has been with the paper since January 2013 after previously working at the Aiken Standard. He is a graduate of Alvernia University and currently attends Drexel University.

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